**Meta Ditches Fact Checkers, Embraces Community Notes Model**

In a significant move, Meta has announced it will discontinue the use of independent fact checkers on its platforms Facebook and Instagram, opting instead for a community notes system similar to that of X (formerly Twitter). This change, announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, was positioned as a return to prioritizing free expression over independent moderation, which Zuckerberg claimed was too politically biased. Critics of the change argue it represents a capitulation to political pressure, particularly from the incoming Trump administration, with some seeing it as a step towards decreasing accountability for harmful content.

The decision follows a broader pattern among tech companies reassessing how they moderate online speech, raising concerns from hate speech advocates about the implications of reduced oversight. Although the new system is set to launch in the U.S., Meta has stated that it will retain independent fact checkers in the UK and EU for now. While Zuckerberg acknowledged the inherent risk of the new model, he emphasized a focus on reducing unwarranted censorship of benign content.

Meta's adjustment signals a significant ideological shift, further entwined with the political landscape as it prepares for Trump’s inauguration, prompting intense debate about the future of online expression and regulation.